By Patricia Zannie (2/10/2023)
Following in the footsteps of many modern fine art masters, Ann Schaefer, an award winning mid-Atlantic visual artist, has spent many years as a plein air artist, and, is also a member of Gallery 209.
Like Monet and other out door landscape artists, Ann gains her inspiration from the places she paints. The excitement in her work comes from her rapid, fresh brushstrokes and color. She is immersed in the outdoor experience, inspired by light and shadow, and interpreting the world around her. She seeks to capture on paper or canvas not only the visual impression of light and color, but other sensory aspects of the scene, such as the warmth or chilliness, sounds and atmosphere, or activity that surrounds her while painting in a particular place and time. Working quickly to capture highlights and shadows makes her work fresh and vibrant.
Art has always been a central part of Ann’s life. Since childhood, encouraged by a creative family, she spent many of her happiest hours painting or drawing. She attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City, and majored in fine art at George Washington University taking most of her studio courses at the Corcoran School of Art. After graduation, she continued with classes at the Corcoran for several years. Painting was placed on the back burner while she pursued a career in Federal environmental programs, spending weekends and vacations developing her artistic skills. Since 2003, art has been her full time passion. Through painting, she expresses her continued commitment to, and appreciation of, the natural world. Having devoted years to conserving the environment, she hopes that her paintings will remind people how beautiful and precious it is to all of us.
Ann is also a member of Gallery 322 in Frederick, MD, a member of Mid Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association, and was formerly on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Yellow Barn at Gem Echo. In addition to regularly showing her work at Gallery 322 in solo shows every two years, she has had solo shows at locations including the Gallery at Iona in DC, the Orchard Gallery in Bethesda and the Yellow Barn Studio and Gallery.
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